C8 stingray vs Z06
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 843
C8 stingray vs Z06
I owned a C6 and C7 Z06, and now have a C8 Z51 stingray. It’s a long shot, but I’m considering getting a C8 Z06.
My current is a 2024 and in my opinion is immensely more refined, rides much better, and has a lot less cabin noise than my two Z06 corvettes.
For those who have driven or ridden in both C8 Stingray and Z06, how does the Z06 compare to the stingray in comfort, ride, cabin noise, etc?
My current is a 2024 and in my opinion is immensely more refined, rides much better, and has a lot less cabin noise than my two Z06 corvettes.
For those who have driven or ridden in both C8 Stingray and Z06, how does the Z06 compare to the stingray in comfort, ride, cabin noise, etc?
Popular Reply
Oct 7, 2024, 11:19 PM
Racer
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 383
Likes: 404
From: Naples FL
I will give you my honest assessment. Had 22 C8 Z51 HTC now have 23 ZO6 HTC - Completely different car. Only similarities is when you enter the car with engine off - push start button and it's a different world.
ZO6 has completely different suspension, engine and trans. The handling, steering, shift points, power is so different you would not think it's the same C8 platform. You can always hear the motor except when on the freeway and she drops into 8th. As previous post suggests, for some reason less road noise than SR. Makes no sense because the tires are bigger on the Z and you would expect more noise, but this is not the case. At 75mph if you floor it, she drops into 2nd and it feels like the back end wants to break loose and pins your eyes back in the sockets and makes you giggle - car is stupid fast.
The SR is a great car, more of a touring car, where as the Z is an raw hot rod that handles like it is on rails. Regarding the ride, not scientific but I would say the Z in Tour mode is about 15% stiffer than a Z51 in Sport mode. Stiffer but not harsh. I did a 2,000 mile road trip driving 8-10 hours each day and felt relaxed and comfortable. As a benchmark, my last 3 cars were Ferrari 355, Lambo Gallardo and a 911 Turbo. The Z is softer than the Gallardo.
The best way I could summarize the difference is that it is an entirely different "driving experience". Take a ride in one for yourself to judge.
ZO6 has completely different suspension, engine and trans. The handling, steering, shift points, power is so different you would not think it's the same C8 platform. You can always hear the motor except when on the freeway and she drops into 8th. As previous post suggests, for some reason less road noise than SR. Makes no sense because the tires are bigger on the Z and you would expect more noise, but this is not the case. At 75mph if you floor it, she drops into 2nd and it feels like the back end wants to break loose and pins your eyes back in the sockets and makes you giggle - car is stupid fast.
The SR is a great car, more of a touring car, where as the Z is an raw hot rod that handles like it is on rails. Regarding the ride, not scientific but I would say the Z in Tour mode is about 15% stiffer than a Z51 in Sport mode. Stiffer but not harsh. I did a 2,000 mile road trip driving 8-10 hours each day and felt relaxed and comfortable. As a benchmark, my last 3 cars were Ferrari 355, Lambo Gallardo and a 911 Turbo. The Z is softer than the Gallardo.
The best way I could summarize the difference is that it is an entirely different "driving experience". Take a ride in one for yourself to judge.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 436
Likes: 310
My c8 zo6 rides great and I feel the road noise is quieter somehow. Maybe its because I just want to listen to that engine.
That being said, I like it, it sounds amazing and this one is a 2024 convertible 3lt vs the 2020 2lt z51 coupe. But do I feel like the z06 is worth the extra money? Probably not. But if you have the cash why not?
That being said, I like it, it sounds amazing and this one is a 2024 convertible 3lt vs the 2020 2lt z51 coupe. But do I feel like the z06 is worth the extra money? Probably not. But if you have the cash why not?
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 3,978
Likes: 1,288
From: Plano, Texas
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Stick with the Stingray. I don't see the value in the ZO6 anymore even though I was excited when it first came out. The Stingray with z51 package is more than enough car and value to satisfy. The Sweet spot on the Stingray price point is between 70 and 80k'ish and I would stay away from anywhere near the 90-100K mark.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 383
Likes: 404
From: Naples FL
I will give you my honest assessment. Had 22 C8 Z51 HTC now have 23 ZO6 HTC - Completely different car. Only similarities is when you enter the car with engine off - push start button and it's a different world.
ZO6 has completely different suspension, engine and trans. The handling, steering, shift points, power is so different you would not think it's the same C8 platform. You can always hear the motor except when on the freeway and she drops into 8th. As previous post suggests, for some reason less road noise than SR. Makes no sense because the tires are bigger on the Z and you would expect more noise, but this is not the case. At 75mph if you floor it, she drops into 2nd and it feels like the back end wants to break loose and pins your eyes back in the sockets and makes you giggle - car is stupid fast.
The SR is a great car, more of a touring car, where as the Z is an raw hot rod that handles like it is on rails. Regarding the ride, not scientific but I would say the Z in Tour mode is about 15% stiffer than a Z51 in Sport mode. Stiffer but not harsh. I did a 2,000 mile road trip driving 8-10 hours each day and felt relaxed and comfortable. As a benchmark, my last 3 cars were Ferrari 355, Lambo Gallardo and a 911 Turbo. The Z is softer than the Gallardo.
The best way I could summarize the difference is that it is an entirely different "driving experience". Take a ride in one for yourself to judge.
ZO6 has completely different suspension, engine and trans. The handling, steering, shift points, power is so different you would not think it's the same C8 platform. You can always hear the motor except when on the freeway and she drops into 8th. As previous post suggests, for some reason less road noise than SR. Makes no sense because the tires are bigger on the Z and you would expect more noise, but this is not the case. At 75mph if you floor it, she drops into 2nd and it feels like the back end wants to break loose and pins your eyes back in the sockets and makes you giggle - car is stupid fast.
The SR is a great car, more of a touring car, where as the Z is an raw hot rod that handles like it is on rails. Regarding the ride, not scientific but I would say the Z in Tour mode is about 15% stiffer than a Z51 in Sport mode. Stiffer but not harsh. I did a 2,000 mile road trip driving 8-10 hours each day and felt relaxed and comfortable. As a benchmark, my last 3 cars were Ferrari 355, Lambo Gallardo and a 911 Turbo. The Z is softer than the Gallardo.
The best way I could summarize the difference is that it is an entirely different "driving experience". Take a ride in one for yourself to judge.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 6,883
Likes: 1,416
From: Any City USA
I will give you my honest assessment. Had 22 C8 Z51 HTC now have 23 ZO6 HTC - Completely different car. Only similarities is when you enter the car with engine off - push start button and it's a different world.
ZO6 has completely different suspension, engine and trans. The handling, steering, shift points, power is so different you would not think it's the same C8 platform. You can always hear the motor except when on the freeway and she drops into 8th. As previous post suggests, for some reason less road noise than SR. Makes no sense because the tires are bigger on the Z and you would expect more noise, but this is not the case. At 75mph if you floor it, she drops into 2nd and it feels like the back end wants to break loose and pins your eyes back in the sockets and makes you giggle - car is stupid fast.
The SR is a great car, more of a touring car, where as the Z is an raw hot rod that handles like it is on rails. Regarding the ride, not scientific but I would say the Z in Tour mode is about 15% stiffer than a Z51 in Sport mode. Stiffer but not harsh. I did a 2,000 mile road trip driving 8-10 hours each day and felt relaxed and comfortable. As a benchmark, my last 3 cars were Ferrari 355, Lambo Gallardo and a 911 Turbo. The Z is softer than the Gallardo.
The best way I could summarize the difference is that it is an entirely different "driving experience". Take a ride in one for yourself to judge.
ZO6 has completely different suspension, engine and trans. The handling, steering, shift points, power is so different you would not think it's the same C8 platform. You can always hear the motor except when on the freeway and she drops into 8th. As previous post suggests, for some reason less road noise than SR. Makes no sense because the tires are bigger on the Z and you would expect more noise, but this is not the case. At 75mph if you floor it, she drops into 2nd and it feels like the back end wants to break loose and pins your eyes back in the sockets and makes you giggle - car is stupid fast.
The SR is a great car, more of a touring car, where as the Z is an raw hot rod that handles like it is on rails. Regarding the ride, not scientific but I would say the Z in Tour mode is about 15% stiffer than a Z51 in Sport mode. Stiffer but not harsh. I did a 2,000 mile road trip driving 8-10 hours each day and felt relaxed and comfortable. As a benchmark, my last 3 cars were Ferrari 355, Lambo Gallardo and a 911 Turbo. The Z is softer than the Gallardo.
The best way I could summarize the difference is that it is an entirely different "driving experience". Take a ride in one for yourself to judge.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 383
Likes: 404
From: Naples FL
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 13,180
Likes: 10,511
I think it depends a lot on how you're going to use the car. I spent 3 or 400 miles as a passenger in a Z06 HTC. I found it markedly less pleasant in that usage than my Stingray. Primarily due to tire noise. Even with the exhaust in Tour, the car is a lot noisier on the highway than the Stingray. Don't understand those who say it's quieter. Not my experience at all. If that's not how you'll use the car, it probably won't be an issue. It is definitely more refined than the C7 Z06.
Last edited by Red Mist Rulz; Oct 9, 2024 at 07:39 PM.
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